Freeboard is the vertical distance from a sailboat’s waterline to its deck edge at the lowest point of sheer. It affects safety, reserve buoyancy, performance, and comfort. Understanding freeboard helps sailors evaluate a boat’s suitability for coastal or offshore work and avoid dangerous overloading.
Tidal currents are the horizontal movement of water caused by the rise and fall of the tide. They can add or subtract several knots from your speed over the ground, shift your track, and create dangerous sea states when opposed by wind. Understanding and predicting them is essential for safe, efficient passage planning.
A sea anchor is a parachute-like drag device streamed from the bow of a boat in heavy weather to stabilize the vessel, limit drift, and keep the bow pointed into wind and waves. Unlike a conventional anchor, it does not touch the seabed but works by hydrodynamic drag. This article explains what a sea anchor is, how it works, and how to deploy it safely.
Keel shape drives righting moment, leeway resistance, drag, and motion comfort. Fin keels with bulbs offer high stability and upwind efficiency; full keels provide directional stability and protected rudders. Matching keel design to your sailing waters and goals is essential for safe, enjoyable performance.